McClaren spoke to journalists ahead of the Canaries clash on Thursday, saying that the Norwich game is not a “must-win”, asserting he wouldn’t resign and also claiming that he’s not looking at the Premier League table – yet, anyway.

Gillespie took to social media this morning to label the press call “worrying” – and said the club is facing a battle to stay up.

“Yesterday’s press conference by McClaren was worrying. His comments on not looking at the table, Krul and pre-season football were strange!” Gillespie wrote on Twitter.

“Also it’s not pre-season continued, it’s a roll over of form from last year! As for not looking at the table!! Give me a break!

“The 2nd half of last season Newcastle got 13 pts. This season its 3 from 8. How is Krul valued at 18 to 20 pts a season? Doesn’t make sense. I always rated Alan Pardew so if you looked at results since the ongoing form doesn’t look good! It’s going to be a battle to stay up!”